We Are Charlotte Hornets: Going to a Game as a Family Again

From the Bring Back the Buzz archive. First published October 22, 2014 on bringbackthebuzz.net, lightly edited.

Above, left to right: Greg (Papa Buzz), Tricia (Mama Buzz), Evan and Scotty, "The Kents."

I've written emotional posts at different stages of the Hornets' return: when the board approved the name change, and the day the name became official. But honestly, it didn't hit me until this one. I am seven days away from going to a CHARLOTTE Hornets game. Wow.

People either say Bring Back the Buzz is the reason the Hornets name is back, or that we had nothing to do with it. Truthfully, we don't care where you put us. This city did it together. Scotty and I gave it everything we had for almost four years, and that's what matters to me.

Memories that never faded

I'm young, and I can't recite stats from 1992 like my brother can. But my memories of the Hornets are as vivid as ever. Going to a game every Thanksgiving, every birthday, or whenever Dad decided to surprise us. Lying on the floor in front of the TV while Scotty explained what was going on. Sneaking back downstairs after Mom and Dad fell asleep to watch games.

I remember when they left. I remember crying, because those were my fondest memories with my family and I felt like we could never relive them together. The Hornets were the first thing Scotty, my best friend and brother, and I ever connected on. They weren't just a basketball team. They were my city, my heritage, my history and, as cheesy as it sounds, my family.

Our mom loves history. She was a docent at the Hezekiah Alexander house, the oldest house in Mecklenburg County, so we learned early what the name meant. That, plus city pride, a stubborn streak and a love of sports, is what started all this.

What Bring Back the Buzz meant to me

I've worked harder on this than anything in my life besides soccer. Harder than school (don't tell Mama Buzz) and harder than my Eagle Scout award. When I got hurt and quit playing soccer at Appalachian State, it saved me from losing my mind. It helped me find my passion and steered me toward my career. Above all, it brought our family together. I know this sounds dramatic, but Bring Back the Buzz and y'all's support saved my life. THANK YOU.

We've met so many people who'll be lifelong friends, and gotten to stand next to strangers fighting for something we all believe in. There were doubters, big and small, but the fans persevered. You made the journey as unforgettable as the destination.

As unBEElievable as it sounds, the Kents are going to a Hornets game as a family again. GO HORNETS!

Twelve years later

We still go as a family, and now our Crown Club family is a lot bigger. If the Hornets are a family thing for you too, a Kids membership or a gift membership is a great way to pass it on.